The American Jeepster Club

Willys-Overland Jeepster History

Willys-Overland - 1948 to 1950

First released on April 3, 1948, the Willys "VJ" Jeepster was hoped to add spice to their lineup. Unfortunately, it was not publicized adequately and sold very lightly. Having only 72 horsepower and two-wheel drive did not help sales either. Only 19,132 Jeepsters were produced over a period of less than three years.
"The Jeepster represented an effort to broaden the Willys product line, tapping into a market that was more youth-oriented than that of the Station Wagon, more urbane than that of Jeep Universal".
The Jeepster's front end and drive-line were taken from the Willys Station Wagon, while the rear fenders were taken from Jeep trucks. These flat top rear fenders follow the Jeepster through all its different designs. There is no question that the Jeepster was Willy's best-looking Jeep-based offering!
1948 VJ2 Jeepster
1948 VJ2 Jeepster
1950 VJ3 Jeepster
1948 Jeepster magazine Ad
1948 Jeepster magazine Ad
1950 Jeepster magazine Ad
1949 Alcoa Aluminum-bodied Proto-type Jeepster Coupe
1962 - The Brazilian Proto-type Jeepster (side view) that never made it.
1962 Brazilian Proto-type Jeepster (top view)
A concept drawing of the Jeepster Safari of unknown date

1949 VJ2 Reader's Jeepster

References:

Jeep: The Unstoppable Legend by Arch Brown, Publishers Inter.
Jeep buyers guide by Peter Sessler, Motorbooks International.
Jeep Bible by Moses Ludel, Robert Bentley Publishers.
Jeep Prototypes and Concept Vehicles: by Peter C. Sessler, Iconografix.

Email Mike Childs at: JEEPSTERMAN@OFF-ROAD.COM for further information.
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